UK PCV Theory Test Vehicle Weights and Dimensions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum permitted overall length of an articulated (bendy) bus in the UK?
- 15.0 metres
- 16.5 metres
- 18.75 metres (Correct answer)
- 21.0 metres
Correct answer: 18.75 metres
Articulated buses are permitted a maximum overall length of 18.75 metres under UK vehicle construction and use regulations. This is significantly longer than rigid buses and reflects their two-section design.
Question 2: What does 'gross vehicle weight' (GVW) refer to when applied to a PCV?
- The weight of the empty vehicle structure and chassis only
- The combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, luggage, and fuel at maximum load (Correct answer)
- The weight of the vehicle minus its fuel and oil
- The weight of the vehicle as recorded at its last annual test
Correct answer: The combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, luggage, and fuel at maximum load
Gross vehicle weight is the total permitted operating weight, covering the vehicle itself plus the maximum payload of passengers, luggage, and fuel combined. This figure must never be exceeded in service.
Question 3: What information is displayed on the manufacturer's plate fitted to a PCV?
- The vehicle's service history and annual test dates
- The maximum permitted axle weights and gross vehicle weight (Correct answer)
- The number of passengers the vehicle is licensed to carry
- The operator licence and insurance policy details
Correct answer: The maximum permitted axle weights and gross vehicle weight
The manufacturer's plate shows the maximum permitted gross vehicle weight and the maximum weight allowed on each axle. Drivers and operators must not exceed any of these figures.
Question 4: What is the maximum permitted weight on the driving axle of a bus under UK regulations?
- 8,000 kg
- 9,500 kg
- 11,500 kg (Correct answer)
- 13,000 kg
Correct answer: 11,500 kg
The maximum axle weight permitted on a driven axle in the UK is 11,500 kg. Exceeding this causes accelerated road surface damage and can result in prosecution and prohibition of the vehicle.
Question 5: You discover your PCV is overloaded before you begin a journey. What must you do?
- Drive at reduced speed and avoid motorways until you reach your destination
- Reduce the load to within the permitted weight limits before moving the vehicle (Correct answer)
- Inform your traffic manager and continue the journey as scheduled
- Use only roads that have no weight-restriction signs
Correct answer: Reduce the load to within the permitted weight limits before moving the vehicle
Operating an overloaded vehicle is a criminal offence. The only lawful course of action is to reduce the load until it falls within the vehicle's legal weight limits before the vehicle is driven.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a PCV's plating certificate issued by DVSA?
- To confirm the vehicle has passed its most recent annual roadworthiness test
- To record the vehicle's service intervals and brake inspections
- To officially confirm the maximum permitted weights for that specific vehicle (Correct answer)
- To show the categories of passengers the vehicle may legally carry
Correct answer: To officially confirm the maximum permitted weights for that specific vehicle
The DVSA plating certificate is the official legal document confirming the maximum permitted gross weight and axle weights for that individual vehicle. It must be kept with the vehicle and the figures on it are legally binding.
UK PCV Theory Test Vehicle Weights and Dimensions 1
What is the maximum permitted overall length of an articulated (bendy) bus in the UK?